Royal Lodge, the 30-room mansion located in Windsor Great Park, faces an uncertain future following the recent departure of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who vacated the property in February. The former home, owned by the Crown Estate, has been a residence for senior members of the British royal family for many years.

Andrew relinquished the lease after coming under pressure from his brother, the King, amid public scrutiny related to his association with the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. Following his exit from Royal Lodge, Andrew moved to a more modest residence on the King’s Sandringham estate in Norfolk, although he remains legally responsible for the upkeep of Royal Lodge until October.

The Crown Estate plans to assess the condition of the property before determining its future use. From October onward, the estate will be authorized to lease the property to new tenants. However, any prospective occupant will be required to undergo stringent security checks. Additionally, the maintenance costs for Royal Lodge are estimated to be at least £400,000 per year, which prospective tenants will need to bear.

Speculation had circulated that the Prince and Princess of Wales might take over the residence. However, Kensington Palace has dismissed these claims, noting that the couple has instead chosen to establish their permanent family home nearby at Forest Lodge.

The property itself comprises a large mansion, several outhouses, and a swimming pool. Although it has historically been used as accommodation for high-ranking royals, its future as an official royal residence is now uncertain, with reports indicating that other family members have shown little interest in leasing Royal Lodge.

The outcome of the Crown Estate’s review and any potential leasing arrangements will shape the mansion’s role going forward within the royal estate portfolio.